[claykin]

540 MSport - Do dynamic dampers provide enough benefit to be worth $700 or will I be sorry I didn't go for the Dynamic Handling Package for $3200. Looking to add a bit better cornering control (less lean) but DHP is pricey and complicated. Complicated usually means more time in the shop. Thoughts from those who have one or the other option?

[Pictor]

Since you're asking about flat cornering between the DDC and DHP then DHP (specifically eARS) will give you the flat cornering. DDC only changes dampening and not alter the spring rate or roll motion of the car as much as eARS will. My two cents but if you're looking for better handling, then the standard 704 M Sport suspension is probably the way to go on the 540. You could easily add stiffer anti-sway bars if you wanted to control body roll further.

DHP tends to be a bit softer in the springs so you get more nose dive on hard stops and tail squat on hard acceleration. My subjective butt dyno tells me that this isn't as bad as DHP was on the F10 or E60 but I would still take the standard 704 M Sport setup over DHP or DDC alone even though the DHP car would feel (and be) flatter in the turns. On the 550i it's a different dynamic as both suspension options include DDC.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by Pictor

Since you're asking about flat cornering between the DDC and DHP then DHP (specifically eARS) will give you the flat cornering. DDC only changes dampening and not alter the spring rate or roll motion of the car as much as eARS will. My two cents but if you're looking for better handling, then the standard 704 M Sport suspension is probably the way to go on the 540. You could easily add stiffer anti-sway bars if you wanted to control body roll further.

DHP tends to be a bit softer in the springs so you get more nose dive on hard stops and tail squat on hard acceleration. My subjective butt dyno tells me that this isn't as bad as DHP was on the F10 or E60 but I would still take the standard 704 M Sport setup over DHP or DDC alone even though the DHP car would feel (and be) flatter in the turns. On the 550i it's a different dynamic as both suspension options include DDC.

Thank you for your informative reply. I figured ARS had a lot to do with keeping the car flat in corners. Thanks for confirming.

A DHP/DDC 704 car will have softer springs than a 704 non DHP/DDC car?

[Pictor]

Originally Posted by claykin

A DHP/DDC 704 car will have softer springs than a 704 non DHP/DDC car?

DHP and/or DDC 540i cars don't have the 704 suspension. They're mutually exclusive on the 540i/x.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by Pictor

DHP and/or DDC 540i cars don't have the 704 suspension. They're mutually exclusive on the 540i/x.

Ok, so I'll rephrase.

A 704 (passive sport suspension) 540i msport car will have stiffer springs than a DHP/DDC Msport 540i?

Seems I'm better off with the passive sport suspension. I have that in my F10 and I'm not impressed.

[wknddrivr]

Originally Posted by claykin

Ok, so I'll rephrase.

A 704 (passive sport suspension) 540i msport car will have stiffer springs than a DHP/DDC Msport 540i?

Seems I'm better off with the passive sport suspension. I have that in my F10 and I'm not impressed.

Yes, 704 springs are stiffer than ddc/dhp. 704 also has larger anti-roll bars than ddc version to reduce roll. I recall seeing posts om this forum and others saying the DDC cars had way too much dive and roll compared to 704. I have 704 and am extremely happy with it. No need to get the adjustable dampers in my view.

DHP cars have dynamic roll bars so I’m not sure whether they are as effective as the 704 ones.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by ssquared

Yes, 704 springs are stiffer than ddc/dhp. 704 also has larger anti-roll bars than ddc version to reduce roll. I recall seeing posts om this forum and others saying the DDC cars had way too much dive and roll compared to 704. I have 704 and am extremely happy with it. No need to get the adjustable dampers in my view.

DHP cars have dynamic roll bars so I’m not sure whether they are as effective as the 704 ones.

Thanks. For $700 DDC has "adjustable" shocks and dynamic roll bars? Whatever that means. Lol. But if it has softer springs to begin with then not interested. I prefer a firmer ride altogether, aka BMW of yesteryear.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by claykin

Thanks. For $700 DDC has "adjustable" shocks and dynamic roll bars? Whatever that means. Lol. But if it has softer springs to begin with then not interested. I prefer a firmer ride altogether, aka BMW of yesteryear.

You need the full DHP package to get active roll control.

The benefit of DHP (Adaptive Drive), you have a much wider working envelope, can have more comfort without sacrificing the handling abilities. Actual spring rate is a bit of a red herring. The 10mm higher ride height on DHP supports the wider working envelope. In passive systems you need a higher spring rate and stiffer roll bars to get the body control, DHP allows the car to stiffen up when necessary, including tighter roll control.

If comfort on poor surfaces is not important, then a passive '704' suspension may be totally acceptable. If you want more refinement and the ability to control the chassis at the same time, DHP is a good solution.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

You need the full DHP package to get active roll control.

The benefit of DHP (Adaptive Drive), you have a much wider working envelope, can have more comfort without sacrificing the handling abilities. Actual spring rate is a bit of a red herring. The 10mm higher ride height on DHP supports the wider working envelope. In passive systems you need a higher spring rate and stiffer roll bars to get the body control, DHP allows the car to stiffen up when necessary, including tighter roll control.

If comfort on poor surfaces is not important, then a passive '704' suspension may be totally acceptable. If you want more refinement and the ability to control the chassis at the same time, DHP is a good solution.

Thanks. Since I'm more a fan of a firmer ride, saving my $ on either DHP or DDC seems to be the smart move. Although the 10mm additional ride height might occasionally be helpful with parking bumpers and the Msport bumper. Lol. I'm so use to reversing into parking spots to avoid contact anyway.

Appreciate the guidance and advice.